Hundreds of schoolchildren from across the South East will be able to enjoy the National Park thanks to a major funding boost
Hundreds of schoolchildren from across the South East will be able to enjoy the wonders of the South Downs National Park thanks to a major funding boost.
The “Discover the Downs” initiative will get scores of children into the great outdoors, bringing exciting experiences to youngsters who don’t have easy access to National Parks.
Schools from across Hampshire and Sussex – with over 30 per cent of their pupils eligible for pupil premium funding – are now being invited to apply for fully-funded visits to the National Park.
Activities might include “discovery days” to develop a connection with nature, including learning about conservation, bushcraft, wild art and natural sciences, all within the breathtaking surrounds of the National Park. As the South Downs is one of only 22 International Dark Sky Reserves, children will have the opportunity to enjoy stargazing, learn about nocturnal wildlife and spend a night under the stars.
The National Park has also teamed up with The Sustainability Centre, near Petersfield, to offer fun residential stays for children, as well as Goodwood Education Trust, near Chichester, to offer farm visits.
The initiative, made possible by funding from Defra as part of Defra’s ongoing support for access to nature, will build on the success of Generation Green. The project, led by the Youth Hostel Association working with a range of partners including National Parks, supported schools as they recovered from the pandemic, connecting over 100,000 young people across the UK with nature and the environment.
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